Name: Thalapathy Vijay
Profession: Actor, playback singer, politician
Born: June 22, 1974, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality: Indian
Known for: Ghilli, Thuppakki, Mersal, Master
Biography:
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is a prominent figure in the Tamil film industry and Indian politics. Born on June 22, 1974, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, he is the son of film director S. A. Chandrasekhar and playback singer Shoba Chandrasekhar. Vijay had a sister, Vidhya, who tragically passed away at the age of two, an event that profoundly affected him.
Vijay completed his schooling at Fathima Matriculation Higher Secondary School and Balalok Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai. He later pursued a degree in Visual Communications from Loyola College. Despite his academic endeavors, Vijay’s passion for cinema led him to follow in his parents’ footsteps.
He began his acting career as a child artist in the film “Vetri” (1984), directed by his father. After appearing in several films as a child actor, Vijay made his debut as a lead actor in “Naalaiya Theerpu” (1992) at the age of 18. His breakthrough came with the romantic comedy “Poove Unakkaga” (1996), which established him as a rising star in Tamil cinema.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Vijay delivered a series of successful films, including “Kadhalukku Mariyadhai” (1997), “Thulladha Manamum Thullum” (1999), “Kushi” (2000), and “Friends” (2001). His transition to action roles was marked by the blockbuster “Ghilli” (2004), where he portrayed a kabaddi player, further solidifying his status as a leading actor.
In recent years, Vijay has continued to dominate the box office with hits like “Thuppakki” (2012), “Mersal” (2017), “Master” (2021), and “Beast” (2022). His performances have been lauded for their versatility, charisma, and mass appeal. Beyond acting, Vijay is also a playback singer and has lent his voice to several songs in his films.
On February 2, 2024, Vijay officially entered politics by launching his own political party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). His foray into politics has garnered significant attention, reflecting his immense popularity and the expectations of his supporters.
Awards and Accolades:
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for “Kadhalukku Mariyadhai” (1997)
- Vijay Award for Entertainer of the Year for “Thuppakki” (2012)
- IARA Award for Best International Actor for “Mersal” (2018)
Interesting Facts:
- Vijay is often referred to as “Thalapathy,” meaning “Commander,” by his fans and the media.
- He is one of the highest-paid actors in the Tamil film industry.
- Vijay’s son, Jason Sanjay, made a cameo appearance in the film “Vettaikaaran” (2009).
Social Media:
Twitter: @actorvijay
Instagram: @actorvijay